Christie Bennie Temcoff

Christie (Chris) Bennie Temcoff, 95, most recently from Portland, Michigan, left this earthly home on February 17, 2026, surrounded by family. Born in Detroit in 1931 to Rachel and Bennie Temcoff, he graduated Northwestern High School and was drafted into the US Army for service in Japan during the Korean conflict.

After discharge he moved to Ashland, Wisconsin, and opened the Neighborly Bar, where he met Joan (Barker) Tast, a young widow enjoying time out with friends. They married in 1957, and over the span of the next several years had moved to Colorado and California, before settling in Charlotte, Michigan, in 1966.

After retiring from Owens Illinois Glass factory in Charlotte in 1993, they sold their home and moved to Leesburg, Florida. After Joan’s passing in 2004, Chris found love once again and in 2012 married Patricia Wohlscheid Cranson. Then, in 2017, they moved to their latest home in Portland, Michigan, before Pat’s passing in 2023.

For decades Chris enjoyed pitching recreational softball up until his move back to Michigan in 2017, often as a pinch runner for team members recovering from injuries. He served as a member of the local Portland Michigan American Legion, Post 129.

Having deep faith in his Lord and Savior, for decades he served his local church of Christ family as song leader, teacher, preacher, and most recently as Elder for the Grand Ledge Church of Christ.

Chris is survived by sons Terry (Susan) Tast of Charlotte, Michigan, Tracy (Deborah) Temcoff of Manistee, Michigan, granddaughter Sara (Nick) Lincoln, and great-granddaughter Emma Lincoln. Of special mention is Mary Cranson Riddle and Vicki Cranson, daughters of Pat who quickly became daughters to Chris for their care and love shown through the years.

A celebration of life gathering is to be held at the Sunset Ridge community center in Portland, Michigan, from 1 to 5 p.m. on March 28, 2026.